DMV Launches REAL ID, Driver's License Online Pre-Application

RICHMOND, VA — A new "start anywhere" service lets Virginians apply for any ID, including REAL ID or a driver's license, at home and complete the process at a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles office.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles on Thursday launched an online pre-application for Virginians seeking an identification card now available on DMV’s newly redesigned website, dmv.virginia.gov.

This application is part of DMV’s “start anywhere” services, which allow customers to begin certain applications from the comfort of their own home or on the go. The services currently available to start online are: original driver’s licenses or renewals or replacements, name change, and now original IDs. Customers can also choose to upgrade their credential to a REAL ID during any of the start anywhere driver or ID services.

With the “start anywhere” service, customers log in to their DMV account and begin their application from home. The application is electronically submitted to DMV and a customer service representative will review the pre-filled application.

This new process also walks customers through exactly what documents they need to bring with them so that their DMW visit is successful, officials said.

"Our goal is simply maximizing customer experience. Having the ability to start your application online before your trip to visit us will save you time so you can get back to your day,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. “If you’d like to apply for an ID or driver’s license, I recommend starting online so you know exactly what documents to bring with you when you visit us in person.”

Customers can find the pre-application for IDs on DMV’s website under “Online Services.” Residents must visit a DMV customer service center to complete the process. Make an appointment, reserve your spot for same-day service or stop by during office hours.

REAL ID: What To Know

Virginia residents will have until May 7, 2025, to obtain their REAL IDs, a document that will be necessary to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings.

If you don't plan to travel on a domestic flight or visit a federal office beginning May 7, 2025, no worries. You don't need a REAL ID to get a driver's license. Also, the TSA won't require children under 18 to provide identification when they're traveling with an adult companion within the United States, but the companion must have acceptable identification.

In Virginia, a REAL ID is optional for uses like driving, verification of identity for voting or other purposes, applying for federal benefits, and accessing health services. For these uses, a standard driver's license is permitted.

Virginians may start an application through the Virginia DMV online site, but must visit a DMV customer service center to provide required documents for a REAL ID compliant driver's license or ID card. Customers will need to bring several documents from three categories:

• An unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate.
• A Social Security card or W-2 form with the number.
• A valid Virginia driver’s license, recent utility bills, mortgage statement, or rental lease agreements displaying current residential street address.

After you've received your first REAL ID compliant credential, you may renew online like with the standard driver's license.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Past the new enforcement date of May 7, 2025, federal agencies, including the TSA, will not be able to accept identification that does not meet REAL ID standards.

A REAL ID card will have a little gold star in the top right corner, while a traditional driver's license will be labeled "federal limits apply." In addition to the stars on REAL ID driver's licenses, the cards themselves will be built with new technology, making them much more difficult to forge, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The REAL ID isn't a substitute for a passport required for international travel, and it also doesn't affect the ability to vote or register to vote, applications for federal benefits, enter federal facilities that don't require identification, obtain medical care, or participate in police proceedings or investigations.